There is a bill tabled in the Senate that seeks to recognise marriage between "any two people", therefore allowing for homosexuals unions to be recognised as marriage. The private members bill, called the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009, was introduced by Greens MP, Senator Sarah Hansen-Young. The bill "seeks to remove all discrimination from the Marriage Act 1961 on the basis of sexuality and gender and to permit marriage regardless of sexuality and gender identity." The effect of the bill would be to reverse important amendments made to the Marriage Act in 2004.
If passed, the bill would allow two men, or two women, to “marry”. It would radically change what marriage means in Australia. Most Australians understand why marriage deserves state recognition, protection and promotion. Eight million Australians are currently married, changing the status quo on marriage would be ignoring the overwhelming majority.
The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee is holding an inquiry into the Marriage Equality Bill with submissions called for from interested parties. The closing date for these submissions is Friday 28th August 2009. 5 years ago, a record number of submissions were made to support the definition of marriage, but this time, “marriage equality” activists are very well organised and have considerable sympathy. Your help is therefore needed in opposing the bill. Can you help?
All you need to do is send a short email by Friday 28 August to legcon.sen@aph.gov.au In the subject line at the top, put “Marriage Equality Bill”. In the email itself, write your message. It can be detailed, or very simple. Be sure however to include your name and street address, with postcode.
Society
Traditional marriage comes under further attack
APN
Wednesday, 26 August 2009, 8:47 (EST)
Have your say on this article
Added: Wednesday, 26 August 2009, 9:08 (EST)
This article seems to ignore polling sources which have shown that more than 60% of Australians support same sex marriage.
Tappio, Helsinki, Finland
Added: Wednesday, 26 August 2009, 15:24 (EST)
I am strongly in favour of equalizing the rights, respect and tolerance of homosexual/non-hetero people in this country.
I see no reason to discriminate against a sizable portion of Australia simply on the basis of sexual orientation.Daniel Verberne, Croydon Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 10:55 (EST)
I strongly wish that our Society would abhold the traditional understanding of marriage, being between one man and one woman. Various other options of marriage are against natural law and will have serious consequences on the nation.
Heger M. T.., Perth
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 11:21 (EST)
I believe in the traditional definition of marriage and see there is no need to change the law.
Kerry Bayada, Sydnay Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 11:22 (EST)
MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL
Not all relationships are equal, but all relationships should be protected in law. While I do not object to a new civil and legal arrangement that protects the rights of gay, lesbian and de facto couples, I object to any change in the Marriage Act that makes the marriage of a man to a woman just another arrangement, or just another relationship. Marriage needs to remain a life long commitment between a man and a woman and needs to remain that way.Fr John Pearce CP, Marrickville NSW Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 11:53 (EST)
I Belive of the personal liberty, and the same time I belive of the Nature, in every gener of they creations have the two sex Male& Femal, the human is part of this nature , the differnece of they two sex is very important to the contunaty of the life, if in this world we have some sike case, we don't have the right to legalise this sike situation, the just correct situation is a man marriy with woman . and any other propose is not normal and not accpetable from the nature and from God the creator to all.
As church's man , I support any completly any one refues the same-sex marriage idea.Fr Fady Salameh, Glendenning NSW
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 13:35 (EST)
Just because most Australians are married does not mean that allowing 2 people who love each other to marry will be ignoring the majority, what a ridiculous argument.
I can't believe people who call themselves enlightened wish to deny 2 people who love each other from showing that love in a legal ceremony. your just bigotted, hateful and malicious. What others do in the privacy of their own bedrooms is their business alone, stay out of it.David, Wangaratta
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 13:52 (EST)
I have been married for twenty years and have a 14 year old son. Knowing that same sex marriage is being considered is not something that makes me feel good. Actually it disturbs me as marriage is between two humans who are a male and a female.
If same sex marriage was meant to happen, then how come it is not possible to have babies born naturally, at least not with the intervention of medical situations. I have no objection of people feeling and acting the way that they do but to involve children to be under the influence of a same sex couple is not something that the young children have a right to their say, and even if they do, it is always going to be under the control and the everyday education that they see whilst living with the same sex couple. I do not judge people by their behaviour but taking it as far as getting married is something that I cannot tolerate as I know that this was not meant to be or happen. I strongly believe that this situation is getting too far just because people make a lot of noise. Please take notice of this and consider us people who totally object about same sex marriage. Regards N.n.mckenna, australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 15:37 (EST)
Same sex marriage is thwarting God's plan for His people. God created man & woman unique and has a specific role to create a family according to God's plan.
Carmelita Legaspi, Sydney Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 15:41 (EST)
Legalising same sex marriage goes against the grain of everything normal in society. Children will be greatly affected, they would not know what is right from wrong, given that from the start (if these same sex couples adopt babies) their lives have started on a wrong footing. The children of one of the partners will also be affected as they will not have proper guidance from a father or mother. These kids will grow up in unnatural environment and there is no knowing what their future will be (most likely ending up in same sex relationships).
Conchita Tayaban, Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 16:11 (EST)
We strongly object to the Marriage Act being amended in the manner being proposed in this current Bill before the House. We are led to believe that the word "marriage" is derived from an old Greek word meaning a union between a woman and a man. Notwithstanding , the word has been used for many centuries to mean just that. If persons of the same gender wish to be joined in an identifiable union, then let them come up with another name for such a union. Please don't let the definition of 'marriage' be desecrated as it would be if this Bill is passed.
Ed & Noelene Byron, Sydney, Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 16:49 (EST)
MARRIAGE , IF DEFININTION REQUIRED, CAN BE BETWEEN PEOPLE WHO SEEK TO JUSTIFY THROUGH LAWS, SECULAR OR RELIGIOUS, THEIR UNION AND FULLFILLING INTENTION TO BE IN ROMANTIC AND C0MMITTED PARTNERSHIP, REGARDLESS OF SEX UAL IDENTITY, GENDER BASIS OR FINANCIAL FOCUS.iF SUCH PEOPLE SEEK "MARRIAGE" IT SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO THEM BY LAWS, WHICH DO NOT DFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THOSE AND ANY OTHERS WHO MAY CHOSE NOT TO HAVE SUCH A "MARRIAGE".
P O\'BRIEN, SYDNEY
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 16:51 (EST)
I am against marriage of the same sex. The purpose of marriage is for procreation. How can a couple of the same sex do this? This is a violation of God's law.
Nilfa Ambalong, Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 17:21 (EST)
This is quite disappointing to our Divine Provider, our dear God. The Bible which is the very words of God, our Creator, is clear about the union of male and female. It's never male and male, and female and female. Though I can never understand about this homosexuality thing and nature(as I am not one, myself), it is not for me to disciminate them as individuals in our community, in our society. But to approve their (same sex) unionl, I guess that is going a bit too far. The consequences - e.g effect on their adoptive kids, will have to be given a highly moral consideration.
I will keep this in my special uplifting prayer for His Divine Intervention and all in Jesus' name.Angie Delara, Sydney Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 17:38 (EST)
I am not agree if Australia legalize homo sexual marriage.
It's make our world become bad place for our next generation.Dumaria M. Sitanggang, EAST KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 17:43 (EST)
I disagree to the same sex marriage.
Carmen Jakab, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 17:59 (EST)
Are we going to desert all christian values. Is it any wonder the country is in the state its in with no respect for
God or man. One day we will answer for our wrong doing. Don't forget that. Usually I am a very tolerent person, but we need to take a long look at where all this talk of same sex unions are taking our societyTeresa Dempsey, Sydney Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 18:22 (EST)
As the Roman empire crumbled other tribes drifted in and superseded the Romans who had declined into decedance. Is this how it will be here? Does history actually forget every lesson? Let us keep marriage for the silent majority who look for family, ties and a future country of world note.
Tony O\'Kelly, Ardross WA
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 19:20 (EST)
Marriage is a sanctifying union between 2 persons of different sexes as with Adam and Eve. Couples of the same sex do not constitute a marriage - the exposition of this type of union in the world today is merely to sensationalise the media and create an 'egoistic security' among the individuals involved. To be real, marriage existed since the beginning of time - from the simple animals and plants where the male and female gamete fuse to produce an off-spring - which involves sex and emotion. When 2 individuals of the same sex get together, emotion, is the predominant currency in the relationship - not sex. Union of individuals of the same sex should not and should never be recognized to be on the same term as 'marriage' in Australia. Politicians who agree, do so to win votes - not to uphold their moral standards.
No matter which religion we belong to, we have a moral standard to practice and to be answerable for. I do not support union of the same sex in the concept of marriage.Regis Cheong, Eastwood, NSW
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 19:32 (EST)
Put 2 practicing alcoholics together, what do you get? 2 very drunk alcoholics. Put 2 practicing homosexuals together, what do you get? 2 even more emotionally disordered individuals than before,not a healthy environment for children. The science is clear, there is no "gay gene", homosexuality is an emotional disorder and it is not compassionate to say it's OK. Homosexual behaviour can be cured.
P.Burnett, Sydney Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 19:39 (EST)
Part of the aim of marriage (as even defact ocouples appear to realise) is to raise children, and every couple that marries has that desire in mind, whether it's one child or ten. In particular, the couple wishes to have their own child, conceived by natural means. Homosexual couples cannot do this, nor do they as a couple possess the organs required for conception to even try to. Why, then, may I ask, do homosexuals want to have a relationship recognised by the state, if it doesn't change the relationship they are already experiencing? Regardless of their marital status, homosexual couples will continue to walk around holding hands, kissing in public and whatever other activities they may enjoy; for them, marriage is just another title to be added to their resume's which will not otherwise affect their lives. However, Marriage between man and woman, which has ALWAYS been reserved for man and woman, maintains the aims of marriage (children and the potential to have them) and allows for the flourishing of the family which, as we all know, is the foundation block of the community as a whole.
Patrick, Sydney
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 19:42 (EST)
Good book to read: "The Homosexual Person" J. Harvie also " Out of Egypt"by Jeannette Howard also "The Truth about Homosexuality" also J. Harvie.
V.Gray, Sydney Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 19:59 (EST)
Lesbians discriminating against men, homosexual men discriminating against women, surely Marriage between a man and a woman cuts down on discrimination between men and women Discrimination against all children being able to have a father and a mother in a stable family would come about by destroying the true definition of Marriage. Practicing homosexual couples are in the minority, why should they be able to dictate what Marriage is? It's like permitting prostitutes to define chastity for the majority.
N. Turner, Sydney Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 20:30 (EST)
Marriage is between a man & a woman. If a same sex marriage was introduced would the "couple' if they were to divorce have to go through the same legalities as an orthodox couple?
Partick Martin, Wahroonga 2076
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 20:34 (EST)
I AM AGAINST MARRIAGE OF THE SAME SEX. MARRIAGE SHOULD ONLY BE FOR A MAN AND A WOMAN.
MERCEDES ENGLE, QUAKERS HILL, NSW, 2763, AUSTRALIA
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 20:51 (EST)
Ah. Now we see the true colour of the Greens! Now the smoke of the elections has well and truly blown away, we see the real agenda. Beware, Christians, for the next election, don't fall for the environmental despots pushing atheistic immorality!
N.Morton, Sydney Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 20:58 (EST)
While it may be reasonable to acknowledge that a same sex couple may truly love each other with an intensity as great as any hetrosexual couple, it is also necessary to recall that we do not live in isolation. In Western society the family is still the best place to raise children. Yes, it is possible to find terrible hetrosexual parents - perhaps even as many as same sex parents. Nonetheless, for a balanced and comprehensive nurturing environment in a real world context ( with all its imperfections ,uncertainties and prejudices), I continue to believe that in the majority of cases a hetrosexual couple offers the better alternative. Let us not be driven by pseudo-liberalism, masking self-indulgence and the simple desire to just do what we feel like. Let us not bow to those who simply want to gratify themselves and are willing to argue individualism and discrimination as useful tools to get what they want. Instead, let us consider the health of our society on a broader level and let us think of our children and providing for them rather than indulging a vocal pressure group in our society.Marriage in our society has been under attack by various interest groups.The stability it once provided is significantly challenged as evidenced by the decline in the number of marriages being celebrated , the rise in divorce and the growth of loose bonds among many defacto couples.Do we really need to fray the definition of marriage further? Will this change genuinely strengthen the morals underlying our society or will the loud voice of self indulgence and self gratification become even more the cancer that creates more turmoil than alleged good?
peter Hatton, Sydney, Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 20:59 (EST)
This is an absolute scandal !
Marriage in the eyes of the catholic church is a holy sacrament which is a made up of a very deep and true love which unifies two seperate people , one male and one female and together become one . The male represents God the father and the female Mary his blessed mother , the church . Therefore, how is it possible that we can allow such a horrienous and ridiculous law of same sex marriages to pass when not only are they HORRIBLY wrong but make no sense . How can we have God the father and Mary his Mother being represented when two of the Same sex are being married ? It is Not possible !!!!!!!THIS LAW CAN SIMPLY NOT BE PASSED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Emma Carrington, sydney
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 22:18 (EST)
I oppose the bill as I believe that "marriage" was always about family and having babies naturally but I do sympathise with the people who are unable to be part of this type of union and ask for Gods blessing for them all.
Cheryl Hitchcock, Howlong NSW
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 22:23 (EST)
"I now pronounce you man and wife" I wonder what the priest would say in a homosexual marriage... Oh, hang on would there be a priest?
What is "marriage" after all thats the question... Same sex marriage... you have got to be joking!Gerard, Sydney Australia
Added: Thursday, 27 August 2009, 22:29 (EST)
I believe man and woman were created to give praise to God and to procreate. In this sense, no one else can bear fruit as with what God has commanded. As Christian, I was thought to hate the sin but not the sinner. I respect homosexuals but not the act that they are doing. Legalising same sex marriage would bring forth destruction of family and sanctity of marriage. True happiness can only be found in truth.
Cherry de Guia, NSW, Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 6:28 (EST)
I strongly support the traditional definition of Marriage.
Unfortunately, if you stand up for what you believe in and it goes against the popular view, you are called a biggot. We have been married for 28 years and have 3 daughters, one married.Cheryl, Sydney, Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 6:33 (EST)
NO TO SAME SEX MARRIAGE.
Lilian Schmid, Sydney
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 6:41 (EST)
Marriage is the most consecrated form for legalising sex and reproduction. marriage between same sexes is like legalising sex in any form. We all have equal rights irrespective of our beliefs and practices. Same sex marriage will bring only doom to the mankind.
maria john, sydney australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 6:43 (EST)
We live in an imperfect world and we as a married couple do not have all the answers. However, after 28 years of marriage, we believe that it is better to reach for the stars and miss, than to aim for the gutter and hit!
We strongly support that our Society uphold the traditional definition of marriage, being between one man and one woman. What we sow, we shall reap. Maybe not today, but when our grandchildren are looking for a husband or wife.Eugene, Sydney, Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 7:36 (EST)
God made man and woman and pray let us respect Him and leave it that way please.
Rebecca, Sydney, Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 7:59 (EST)
Same sex marriage! Equalizing the rights! What about the rights of Children!!! What happens when two gay men come to adopt children. You could see that there is already a sexual disorder, so what to stop two gays from directing their sexual disorder towards kids. If you think Docs has a hard time protecting kids now, they’ll be facing chaos should this bill be passed.
Mak, J, Sydney Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 8:21 (EST)
The definition of a marriage does not change with an amendment of the Act. Marriage is the legal union of a man with a woman for life and may it stay that way.
Clement Fernandez, Quakers Hill
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 8:48 (EST)
Do not pass a bill that not only is very disrespectful to Christians, but lets two same sex people be treated like 'normal' sex people. This will not only open any children involved in the gay relation to be nothing more then glorified toys or pets, rather then the natural union of love between husband and wife. Wife; the woman to whom a man is married Husband; the man to whom a woman is married I don’t want to re-print the dictionary.
hatton, Sydney, Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 8:57 (EST)
Not a single good argument there for the discrimination to continue.
We are not talking about church law, we are talking about the secular law that governs us and applies to everyone, including non-christians. You would not like it if the government started imposing the beliefs of another religion on you; don't expect it to impose yours on others. There's no evidence gay parents (of whom there are plenty already, regardless of marriage) cause any harm to their kids. As for marriage being limited to procreation, so that it must not include gay people - well, many kids are born in defacto families now. And many married couples don't have kids. Clearly the line that marriage equals procreation is garbage. As for sexual discrimination - of course it is. THe government will let me (a man) marry a woman I love, because of my gender. It will not let my friend (a woman) marry a woman she loves, because of her gender. And what do we call it when the law prevents someone from doing something because of their gender? Sexual discrimination. As for those who think homosexuality "wrong" or "unnatural" - you're quite entitled to those empty prejudices, but surely you can see how dangerous it would be if the government started imposing other people's similarly empty prejudices against you?Jeremy, Melbourne
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 9:26 (EST)
The definition of marriage should remain as the union between a man and a woman, and only the union of a man and a woman should be legally recognised in the ceremony of marriage.
If same sex couples wish to have a commitment ceremony - that is their choice, and may be advisable for legal reasons, especially in the case of superannuation, carer's benefits, finalising an Estate after the death of a partner, etc. However the majority of unions are hetrosexual. As such our traditional beliefs should be respected and "Marriage" restricted to between a man and a woman. This is especially the case when children are involved who are too young and innocent to be forced to understand sexual relationships, let alone same sex relationships.Joanne H, Sydney, Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 9:30 (EST)
Marriage between a man and woman is the basic building block of society. The consequences of legislation which obscures this truth will become sadly apparent over time. Our legislators should not consult 'community standards' when dealing with this issue but a vision of human relationships which is derived from an understanding of the profound God-given dignity of the human being, as well as the natural laws which govern us.
Fr John Speekman, Camperdown NSW Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 9:33 (EST)
The essential element in what we call "marriage" is the union of male and female with the potential to produce children. To pretend that a same sex union is a marriage is farcical. When we speak of sexuality we fundamentally mean the potential to produce offspring. People of homosexual orientation are welcome to form committed unions or friendships but it is NOT a marriage. There are available all the legal avenues to hand on property and assets. We must reserve marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
Brian Copeland, Sydney, Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 9:54 (EST)
The traditional marriage of man and woman is the most secure environment for children to be respected, loved and educated. There is no need to change this tried and true tradition of marriage.
P. Collier, Coogee, N.S.W
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 10:06 (EST)
The Divine Law is above any man made law. Ultimately every person must decide between two loves. The love of self to the point of denial of God or the love of God to the point of denial of self. As individuals & families which form our society, the more we move away from God, the more we think we can live above God's Divine law. For Catholics - Jesus made marriage a 'Sacrament' a bond between husband and wife, which gives it great dignity in God's eyes. The only real way for us to understand this dignity and the same can be said for the 'Digninty of human life' is trhough prayer, to put God in the first place in our lives and ask Him to enlighten us each day. Only then will we be touched by His Love and His Truth and understand how we are to live His will on earth. Without his Love and Truth we lose our way. God Bless.
Gary Cartmer, Sydney, Sydney Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 10:57 (EST)
Australia is so blessed with natural resource and beauty, this is divine gift to human kind and his love for the people living in the wonderful country.Everything follows the rule of Nature, which is to continue till the end of time.Same sex marriage is against natural law, is does not pro-create or have deep conviction.I oppose this idea and plead with the decision makers not to.Don't allow the continual blessing of God the creator taken away from this blessed continient by submitting to this idea.
Abel, Auburn,Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 10:58 (EST)
Marriage certificate is given to people in a Holy matrimony, it is suppose to be ONLY for a married Couple as a Man and a Woman, as The creator of heaven and earth has created them at beginning of the human life, to conceive children and have loving families. Sexual act is a choice, if the same sex people chose that relationship among each other, it is their choice . But, sorry, we should never give them marriage certificates for their sexual behavior, which is not the same as in the values of are heterosexual family ,
Violette Wakim, Revesby NSW Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 11:24 (EST)
I respect the human rights of all men and am very understanding of choices made by same sex couples. That being said however, I do not think same sex marriage should be legalised primarily because it cannot adhere to the pro-creative aspect of marriage, which in turn is in accordance with the Natural Law. To legalise same sex marriage would mean to violate the Natural Law.
Anna Santos, Sydney Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 11:48 (EST)
I'm not seeing too much of the love and understanding of the Jesus I was taught to believe in. Why so much hate from Christians towards gay people almost to the exclusion of other things such as poverty? Australia is a secular nation and is not governed by Christianity or any other religion.
Ronson, Katoomba Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 11:49 (EST)
I acknowledge that people in long term homosexual relationships deserve some protection under the law in relation to division of property, superannuation beneficiaries etc but I don't see that this legalisation of their relationship should be described as a marriage and that they should define themselves and husband or wife within that relationship. Their time would be better spent establishing, defining and naming their own unique relationship separate to and distinct from 'marriage' as it currently exists.
Tricia, Sydney Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 12:38 (EST)
Can anyone explain why this is even a religious issue?
Doesn't Australia have a secular government? Using the word 'marraige', which is apparently only allowed to have religious connotations, in the title of the act is easily changed. Make the legislation the 'Civil Union Act', and remove all reference to sexuality and gender. This way, everyone will have equal rights under law, which is surely the desirable outcome, and the word 'marraige' can once again be used by the religious to mean 'one man/ one woman'thalesian, Melbourne
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 12:49 (EST)
I support, and hope that we all continue to support, the traditional concept of marriage being between one man and one woman for life. Children are best protected in this family unit.
Eric Burton, North Rocks NSW
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 13:17 (EST)
i wish to protest that this law never be passed on ,marriage has to be between a man and a woman and by the grace of God he will stop this horrible thing from happening.
danielle, springwood
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 13:37 (EST)
Yes. By all means. Let's go back to the traditional ideal of marriage. Husbands will be allowed to rape their wives. Wives who leave abusive husbands will be subject to legal penalties. You think I'm exagerating? Rape in marriage was only recently made illegal here in Australia. And it's only a few decades since it became possible for wives to divorce abusive husbands.
I've enjoyed my heterosexual marriage for 33 years. I don't feel in the least threatened by gays having the same rights as me. What really scares me is the religious right who think they have the right to force other people to live according to their own narrow view of humanity.Livia, Melbourne Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 13:45 (EST)
I am very concerned regarding the proposed amendment to the Marriage Act 1961 in the "Marriage Equality Bill". Tthe most basic building block for our society is the formation and education we as human beings receive in family life. Thus, marriage nurtures society.Changing the marriage law as proposed from being between "a man and a woman" to "union of two people" is to water down our human life giving nature, and goes against the real essence of the building block of our society. We need to re-think beyond personal gratification, individualistic and consumeristic choices where we have to have the best of both 'worlds' no matter. And really are we ready to suffer the consequences of these choices? Families constituting a father, a mother and children need to be defended. They need the protection of our laws.
Aida Barbosa, Melbourne, VIC Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 14:09 (EST)
I totally disagree with same sex marriage. The natural law of marriage is meant to between man and woman. Anything else is against nature. Things have been taken to far in allowing same sex marriage. God intended for man and woman to marry, not the same sex.
Anna Papallo, Sydney Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 15:04 (EST)
I believe in the traditional definition of marriage. Marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman in order to procreate. It is not a sexual arrangement between 2 people who love each other. Please don't erode our moral standards any more. Enough is enough!!!
Daisy Freitas, Sydney
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 16:37 (EST)
I believe that marriage is between two people, a man and a woman. In the bible God created a man and he created a woman which He took from the body of a man. Meaning a woman can only submit herself to a man and not to the same sex. I do not approve to the same sex marriage. Please read the Bible so that your mind will be open. God bless all.
Imelda Concepcion, Bulacan, Philippines
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 16:45 (EST)
I beleive the Government has helped this group of people to claim their rights in wills etc, but marrige is very different. I spoke to a gay friend about it and his answer was "Ït is just a paper " He was not interested in marriage, so who is behind this push to pressure the Government to change this law?
D. Andrews, nsw
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 17:07 (EST)
Australia is a secular country. Marriage under the Marriage Act has nothing to do with religion - it is a purely civil arrangement. Nobody is arguing that Christian churches (or any other religious institutions) should be forced to marry homosexuals in the eyes of God. Therefore any religious arguments are irrelevant - unless you believe that Parliament should be legislating on the basis of religious beliefs, in which case why Catholic over Protestant, Jewish over Christian, Muslim over Jewish, Hindu over Jewish etc.
As a secular debate, therefore, the only conceivable basis upon which to discriminate against homosexual relationships is bigotry. The argument that marriage is about children is a furphy - we don't ban infertile or childless heterosexual couples from getting married. The argument that by allowing homosexual marriage we somehow 'weaken the institution of marriage' is unsustainable - I have yet to see *any* evidence whatsoever of how this is the case. Quite simply, the only reason to ban gay marriage is because you don't like gays. In today's society, that sort of bigotry is simply unacceptable - just like discrimination based on race or sex. Fifty years ago, interracial marriage was a live issue. People darkly predicted the demise of the institution, the weakening of society, harm to children. Today, we recognise this for what it is - irrational, unjustifiable prejudice. In 50 years time, we will look back at this debate and feel the same way.Tim, Melbourne, Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 18:08 (EST)
God Have Mercy.......................................
Fr. Elias Kilzi , Sydney
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 20:09 (EST)
Lets all just do whatever we want. While we're at it, lets change the definition of "mother" and "father" also. We don't want to discriminate based upon genes or anything. And the life long component is kind of questionable - I mean, we are all mature enough not to believe people actually want undying commitment...
Basically what is going to happen is that no one is going to respect the government's idea of marriage - and so no one is going to get "married". In fact we may even see a separation between religious marriage and legal marriage. This is already kind of happening as a product of the government's past inability to protect the dignity of human beings within our society (tolerance of obscenity/objectification). Ultimately it does not matter, except for those people who are already married and want a cohesive society. Though we might want to wait for some science before we start playing around with our society. There is a fair amount of bisexuality out there in nature, but only a few animals have ever been recorded to exhibit exclusive homosexual behaviour - and humans out rank them all (we are so obviously born this way). Richard (not enlightened)Richard Baxter, Australia
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 20:52 (EST)
I find that this bill is contrary to all traditional moral standards as thought by the Church and irrelevant of these people rights etc I believe that to have such a situation institutionalized will continue to destroy the values and principles that hold the true Australian families together, thus undermining the nation itself.
I sure hope that the minority do not start dictating to the majority in this land.Alex Magri, Rabat,
Added: Friday, 28 August 2009, 23:43 (EST)
Goes AGAINST NATURE...Goes AGAINST GOD! This will only serve to bring Australia deeper into the abyss of immorality we have created for ourselves. Same sex marriage......HELL NO!
Rebecca, Australia
Added: Saturday, 29 August 2009, 11:50 (EST)
Australia already is poor on population.No -adoption is no solution and same-sex marriage will further destabilse this great nation.
There is no need to legalise this issue and further complicate life for both straight and gay people. Who has stopped anyone from following what sex-life they choose for themselves? No-one has the right to take law into their hands and enact new laws to suit their own lustful conduct on any grounds based on whatever scientific research or philosophy. Please don't spoil the peace and harmony of family life.Please don't legalise such an issue.Live your own life and enjoy it the way you want to.But don't pull out the brick from the foundation of society.You have the right to put a fullstop to your own generation but not to that of others. Thanks and God Bless.Frank, Blacktown ,NSW
Added: Saturday, 29 August 2009, 12:46 (EST)
Mariage, created by God, is simply, plainly, rightly ONE MAN ONE WOAN FOR LIFE.
Mrs Judith Bond, Glen Alpine
Added: Saturday, 29 August 2009, 18:12 (EST)
Making an argument that uses as basis the human will, is akin to allowing an arsenist to burn as he pleases. Somehow we are aware such a thing is not proper. Yet when it comes to other corrupt human thinking, particularly as it is coming out in debates about sex, suddenly human reasoning is fine as a basis for deciding.
God in His wisdom gave His unshakable, unchanging truth and wisdom to use as a foundation for right and wrong. For the sake of all of society, let us keep appying His standard and not some corrupt human standard. Remember Sodom and Gommorah.Willem Amoraal, Australia
Added: Sunday, 30 August 2009, 7:47 (EST)
A marriage is between a man and a woman. Two become one. As Jesus said, a man shall leave his parents and take a wife, not a man or a woman take a man. Same sex marriages are null and void! What is happening to the traditional family unit?
I believe that no such bill for these so-called marriages should never be passed through parliament. Yours in ChristDawn Willis, Blaxland East, Australia
Added: Monday, 31 August 2009, 9:38 (EST)
The bible was very clear from the beginning that women was created to compliment men. There was nowhere in the bible to justify the behavior we see today - ie. same sex marriage. That's sin. However, we must understand that the bibles states that in the last days such things will happen to confirm to us that we are in the last days.
Makereta, Fiji
Added: Monday, 31 August 2009, 11:06 (EST)
I strongly object to the changing of the traditional marriage laws which go against the laws of nature and of GOD.
maurice , Perth
Added: Thursday, 3 September 2009, 10:36 (EST)
This comment may well be too late to count, however I would like to state that as far as I am concerned, marriage is between a man and a woman. There can be no compromise. It is possible to have relationships with people of opposite sexes, but by no other means can a child be born without a male and a female being involved - which just means a marriage and union of two human beings of opposite sexes. How can we possibly live in a world where that basic principle is not upheld!
Fay Holland, Sydney, Australia
Added: Friday, 4 September 2009, 19:37 (EST)
A number of responses insist this matter is one of secular law, nothing to do with religion. Explain to me where marriage originates? Was it some neanderthal couple? Was it some other well meaning person? No the answer is found in Gods Word. God created man and woman. He was pleased to come up with this idea of a bond between man and woman so that they can live in holiness before Him. God gave us other wondeful laws and regulations such as we find in the ten commandments. And it is no surprise that society for many centuries has abided by these commandments for their own good. These rules and laws on which our society is based are not the invention of bright eyed mortals but on Gods laws given for our good. Has marriage, has the euthenasia debate, has abortion etc anything to do with religion? It has everything to do with the God and Creator of all things. Be wise: be humble.
Willem, Armadale WA
Added: Saturday, 5 September 2009, 11:26 (EST)
Same-sex couples are already living in marriage-like relationships with children. They aren't just a strange minority grouping who live in the trendy inner-city - they are families living in the suburbs alongside everyone else reading this article. Most Commonwealth departments already treat same-sex couples (and heterosexual de factos) in the same way that they treat married couples. We also need to recognise that a majority of Australians support marriage equality. That would include a majority of people who are married, and may well even include a majority of Australians with faith. It is really concerning that the development of public policy in Australia is currently beholden to a loud minority - homophobic individuals falsely using faith and Christianity to justify their hatred of difference.
concerned_christian, Wollongong
Added: Monday, 7 September 2009, 10:59 (EST)
MARRIAGE IS A SACRAMENT NOT A SEX GAME! So no matter if 99.9% of the Australian population believe that same sex marriage is OK then they are totally and utterly wrong! Just because they are a majority, does not mean they know what they are talking about. I'm sure all of you have heard the saying, 'If everyone was jumping off a cliff would you do the same?' I pray that you are not foolish enough to jump...
JESS, aUSTRALIA
Added: Monday, 7 September 2009, 11:13 (EST)
Same sex relationships are a disordered and selfish love. The union between same sex 'couples' is purely self gratifying because there is no gift shared as in the normal heterosexual union. The male body doesn't make sense without first understanding the female body and visa versa. The male and female bodies are made entirely for one another and are completely complimentary. The more we refuse to see the truth about the unnatural relationship between gays, in defense of the strange notion of gay rights, the further away we will be from the truth and our goal here on Earth is not to make people feel good about themselves, but to seek the Truth of Christ. We ought to love, respect and help gay people on their difficult journey away from sin.
Rita, Sydney Australia
Added: Friday, 11 September 2009, 4:08 (EST)
If you don't like gay marriage then don't have one.
Tom, Wollongong
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